He is a noble Roman warrior and the hero of the play. In
keeping with the character of tragic heroes, he is a man
intensely committed to his own code of ethics even to the point
of stubbornness. His inflexible code of honor alienates him from
those he loves. At the beginning of the play, it is said of him," A
noble man, a braver warrior. Lives not this day within the city
walls". His nobility and his bravery sets him apart from others,
even from his own sons. He takes his virtues too far and they
become oppressive: his slaying of Mutius in the first act is
without compunction. His attitude reveals the anger of an
egotist who will be denied nothing. Although there is much in
him to admire, his character lacks a basic humanity and a
willingness to admit that he is wrong. This is shown in his
refusal to allow Mutius’ burial in the Andronici Tomb. He gives
in finally, but he does without any grace, that is characteristic of
his nobility.

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The only person who arouses gentleness in him is his daughter
Lavinia, whom he loves infinitely. Violence is an important part
of his character. It is seen in the first Act: his indifference to
Aavabus’ death and Tamora’s pleas and his lack of hesitation in
killing his own son. As the play progresses, this violence
becomes the most dominating part of his character. The
onslaught of tragedies causes a psychic metamorphosis in Titus
that makes him a barbaric and obsessed man. The violence,
which had only been glimpsed before is now completely
unleashed. Any trace of humanity that might have existed in
him is totally wiped out by the darker passions, which seem to
have taken complete control of him. He feeds Tamora a
cannibalistic feast of her dead sons and feels not a whit of
compunction. When he kills Lavinia, even Saturninus is forced
to exclaim, "unnatural and unkind".

Nevertheless the figure of Titus is by no means painted all black
by the playwright. Although references to Pragne and to the
battle of Lapiths and the Centaurs show the horrifying effects of
his fixation on revenge, he is not fully shown as bestial or
degenerate. His violence is understandable, if not condonable,
keeping in mind the brutality which he has suffered. The final
comments on his character are all praise and pity and Marcus
gives the care of defense, "Now judge what cause had Titus to
revenge. These wrongs, unspeakable, past patience". Thus in the
final analysis Titus’ virtues and vices have to be considered
together. And they paint a picture of an imperfect man, as most
men are, who has elements of both good and bad in him and
must be judged keeping in mind the excruciating circumstances
which color his final and most grisly actions.